Got two dresses - which one shall I keep

[YouDoughnut]

I just brought two dresses home:
Number 1
Number 2

Which one shall I keep?

I need something dressy for a few 40ths and xmas do. They both look very nice on me (which is an unusual bonus). If the first, I think I need a wide patent belt, perhaps grey or blue. Any ideas where I can get one?

[Blackduck]

Prefer one with silk top...

[traceybath]

I personally prefer number 2 but thats because number 1 would look awful on me.

[Blackduck]

see, we are going to be no bl**dy help at all!!

[Disenchanted3]

1, definatly 1!!

[traceybath]

OK - what shape are you or we're all just going to pick the one that suits us best?

[momijigari]

I think the first one, it is a classic style, but you could change the belt you wear with it?

[momijigari]

I just gave my humble opinion, as neither would suit my 30FF norks... I am presuming you haven't got that problem, or you would be linking to v-neck style dresses.

[FlorenceandtheWashingMachine]

Two is a bit dull, but then I don't do classy and elegant for Christmas. I like number one as the silk detail adds interest.

[pinktortoise]

Number 1. Much nicer shape and classier. 2 looks cheaper.

[YouDoughnut]

Shape... not sure probably hourglass. 34DD. I have to say number 2 looks much nicer on that it looks on the website, more shapely and it hangs very nicely. And the back is a bit low which makes it looks nice. A woman who saw me trying them on at the shop said she really liked both but number 1 was a bit 'prime minister's wife' and probably preferred number 2. I'd say number 2 made me look perhaps a bit younger/more fun, while number 1 was very classy. Totally undecided and DH won't be much help.

[notamumyetbutoneday]

I prefer Number 1- It looks classier and the kind of thing you would get more wear out of.

[FlorenceandtheWashingMachine]

Aren't PM's wives considered style icons these days? Or perhaps she meant Norma Major?

Could you post pics of yourself wearing both? You can always 'cut your head off' if you would like to remain anonymous.

[Pinkjenny]

Number 1 is lovely but I'm not sure whether major norkage would be complemented by that neckline.

I do like number 2, but you'd have to be very careful with the overall look, or agree it could look cheap.

[NellieTheEllie]

If you get Red Magazine (Dec issue, with Jools Oliver on front £3.50) there is a £30 voucher for Coast. Has no minimum spend.
Maybe you could take both back and re-buy the one you like with the voucher?
Fwiw, I like No. 2. You can make it a bit different for each occasion with some nice accessories.

[YouDoughnut]

Ah ha Nellie - I did that. I went into coast this morning and liked number 1 but thought it was too much money. Went for a coffee, checked my blackberry and saw the moneysavingexpert email about the voucher in Red. Bought Red and went straight back to coast.

Right, I'm off to take photos of myself. I will regret this. I know I will.

[Beauregard]

number 1

[mazzystartled]

first one

has potential to look glamourous in a groovy retro type way

2nd one is a bit mumsy

the shoes will be critical.

[YouDoughnut]

DD (3) went a bit mad taking photos from every possible angle and I don't even need to post them. Number 2 is silk all over and the added shininess makes my bum look rather, er, curvy. So number 1 it is. Now I need to find the right belt and I'm struggling.

Shoes... er, I've only got the one pair. I don't normally do heels and they're the only ones I can wear without wanting to kill myself after 20 minutes.

[roary]

First 1 is very Joan Holloway from Mad Men! THat can only be a good thing if you also have an hourglass figure!

[YouDoughnut]

so yay or nay to the belt?

[RnB]

No1 is lovely. Agree with you Roary - it's a joan dress!

[Dirtgirl]

Number 1's my favourite. More flattering for upper arms and I don't like the ruffles on the other one.

[MakemineaGandT]

No.1 is absolutely the one to go for. I don't think it needs a belt at all - it would look much classier as it is

[YouDoughnut]

Gah! I showed DH both and he much prefers number 2. He thought the first one was boring and apart from the silky part it looked like something you could wear to the office. I much prefer number 1 now but I can also see what he means.

And I'm now wondering if I could do better than these two dresses for £100. They were a bit of an impulse buy because of the £30 voucher.

I might start a new thread.

[gigglewitch]

I like the second one, fwiw